1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stern
David Dickstein, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026
There’s a stern, deliberate quality to Contra Madre that sets it apart from the parts of Alcorn’s oeuvre rooted in folk or jazz.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 4 Mar. 2026
New Atlas, 19 Feb. 2026
So with that all said, to any and all who see our flag flying off your stern, know this… There will be no quarter nor mercy offered nor given.
—Alex Suskind, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stern
Adjective
The earlier‑referenced Quest returns from its world cruise in July for Northern Europe and Canada/New England sailings — still rocking that new bow-to-stern makeover.
—David Dickstein, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026
There’s a stern, deliberate quality to Contra Madre that sets it apart from the parts of Alcorn’s oeuvre rooted in folk or jazz.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
The Riverskate is different in that its bow and stern can be intentionally sunk, making all sorts of marvelous maneuvers possible.
—New Atlas, 19 Feb. 2026
So with that all said, to any and all who see our flag flying off your stern, know this… There will be no quarter nor mercy offered nor given.
—Alex Suskind, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern
Adjective
-
Such improvements are crucial for devices like drones that operate with strict limitations on computing power and battery capacity, according to a press release.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Wife killed in February airstrikes Mojtaba Khamenei was a particular target for criticism by protesters during unrest over the death of a young woman in police custody in 2022, after she was arrested for allegedly breaching the Islamic Republic's strict dress codes.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
As Woody Harrelson detailed Harrison Ford's accomplishments from the Actors Awards stage, the famously gruff actor seemed to squirm in his seat, somehow uncomfortable with praise even at the age of 83.—
Eve Batey,
Vanity Fair,
2 Mar. 2026
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While not gruff or unfriendly, the serious New York restaurateur carries a distinct tone of getting down to business, even when casually chatting about how the show has changed over time.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
To accomplish this, the researchers used a technique called reactive molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Today, accommodations include casita rooms, suites, and a ranch house, outfitted with tile floors, exposed wood beams, and private in-room fireplaces.—
Molly Allen,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Senegal 's parliament has approved a new bill that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the largely Muslim West African nation, the latest African country to impose harsh penalties against the LGBTQ+ community.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Audrey Sterk of Audrey Sterk Design teamed up with Chip Webster Architecture and Reid Builders to use durable composite countertops and weather-resistant cabinetry to ensure this outdoor kitchen will last, even in this harsh island environment.—
Megan Johnson,
Architectural Digest,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But Ferrari, once Mercedes’ fiercest F1 rival before Red Bull took over in that role at the start of the 2020s, threatened to crash the party once the lights went out.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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But the spring battles for starting jobs look fierce; Warren Roberson, Kade Phillips, Kobe Black and Wardell Mack join Mascoe as cornerbacks that could make a claim on a starting job while safeties Jordon Johnson-Rubell and Zelus Hicks each could use a strong spring to make their case.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The authoritarian regime has brutally oppressed the people of Iran for generations.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Or think of how extreme weather can disrupt voting access, creating real and perceived grievances that are fertile ground for authoritarian interference in elections.—
Michael Chertoff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
On homelessness, the view was grimmer.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Hence the grim determination with which Eva approaches the mission.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In 2008, Klay Thompson of Santa Margarita scored 37 points and made a record seven three-pointers at the notoriously tough Arco Arena in Sacramento to help the Eagles win the Division III title over Sacramento 72-55.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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Punch made multiple tough baskets and got to the free-throw line as the Jayhawks struggled with his physicality.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stern. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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